How to measure your dog's neck when buying a new dog collar

Choosing the right collar size is key to ensuring your dog’s comfort, safety and freedom of movement. A well-fitted collar should sit securely without restricting breathing or causing pressure on the neck. Follow this simple measuring guide to find the best fit for your new dog collar.

Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Dog’s Collar Size


 

The tape method

Use a measuring tape and place it around your dog's neck (same position as the collar use to be). Place two fingers between neck and tape then measure the circumference.

The old collar method

If you don't have a tape, take an old collar, place the collar flat and measure with a ruler (don't include buckle when measuring).

  

 

Check size guidance below

Compare your measurements with our size chart to find the best size for your pup.

Dog Collar Size Chart


Size & style: Width: Adjustable between: Typical breeds:
XS Thin 1.5 - 2 cm 21 - 26 cm Chihuahua, Miniature Dachshund, Podengo, Yorkshire Terrier
XS Wide 1.5 - 4 cm 21 - 26 cm Italian Greyhound, Toy Poodle, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested
Small Thin 1.5 - 2 cm 27 - 32 cm Dachshund, Miniature Pinscher, Griffon, Border Terrier
Small Wide 1.5 - 4 cm 27 - 32 cm Small Whippet, Manchester Terrier, Pinscher
Medium Thin 2 - 3 cm 29 - 35 cm Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Schnauzer, Doodle
Medium Wide 2 - 5 cm 29 - 35 cm Whippet, Basenji, Pumi, Shiba
Large Thin 2 - 3 cm 36 - 42 cm French Bulldog, Staffordshire Bullterrier
Large Wide 3 - 5 cm 36 - 42 cm Poodle, Greyhound
XL Wide 3 - 5 cm 43 - 49 cm Ridgeback, Malinois, Dalmatian, Labrador


The Perfect Fit for Your Furry Friend!

When buying a new collar for your dog it's necessary to decide and to find the correct collar size to ensure an optimal fit and comfort for your sweetheart.
Use a flexible tape measure, wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your dog's neck. Allow enough free space between the collar and your dog by placing two fingers under the tape measure and lay your fingers flat against your dog's neck.
Write down the measurements and decide the right size for the dog collar based on our sizing chart above.

For example
The measurement of your dog's neck, including two fingers, comes to 32 cm. Then the collar you choose should have a diameter between 29 - 36 cm, meaning that the first hole of the collar will give you a measurement of 29 cm, and the last hole 35 cm in diameter. This collar will allow enough space for adjustments to make a perfect fit for your dog.
All our collars are measured without the buckle. This provides you the exact measurement of the collar when worn.

Caring for Proper Ergonomics

We're often asked why our collars are that wide and if they only are for sighthounds. The wideness of our dog collars is good for many different breeds not only sighthounds. The width of the collars gives good support and protection on your dog's neck and windpipe and a wider surface area spreads out the force and helps to prevent injuries.
Also wider collar gives a more comfortable feeling and less strangulation then a thin collar which in turn means the dog is less stressed and is less likely to pull. Even our “thin” collars are made a little bit wider over the middle part of the collar to ensure better ergonomics, even for smaller dogs with a short neck that can't wear our “wide” collars.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or recommendations regarding sizes, measurements etc.
We always have open ears for our customers 🐶

FAQ – Dog Collar Sizing

How to measure dog collar size?

Measure around the widest part of your dog’s neck and add space for two fingers between the tape and the skin.

What size collar do I need for my dog?

Choose a collar where your dog’s neck measurement falls in the middle of the adjustable range — not on the tightest or loosest hole.

How to size a dog collar properly?

The collar should be snug but not tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.

What size martingale collar for my dog?

Measure in the same way — around the neck including two fingers. Martingale collars tighten slightly, so choose a size where the tightest setting still allows comfortable breathing.

What size is considered a small dog collar?

Small collars typically fit necks around 22–30 cm, but always refer to the size chart above for exact measurements.

What size is a large dog collar?

Large collars usually start from 35 cm and up, but measurement always gives the most accurate result for your dog.

Are wide collars better than narrow collars?

Wide collars reduce pressure on the throat and are ideal for dogs that pull or have sensitive necks.



Need more help?
Just send a message to contact@collarofsweden.com and we will help you out.